07-15-2008, 11:10 AM
USDA Wildlife Services killed three wolves from the Elevation Mountain pack June 27 near Helmville, completing the lethal control action initiated this spring after wolves killed livestock in the area.
<br>A total of three calves were confirmed killed by wolves and another probable depredation was documented on private properties near Helmville on April 22, April 24 and May 15.<br>
<br>In response to confirmed depredations, continued wolf presence in the area and an increasing risk of conflict due to a high density of cattle occurring over a large area, FWP officials authorized the removal of four wolves from the pack.<br>
<br>Wildlife Services killed one yearling male wolf on April 30, and lethal control efforts continued over the next 45 days.<br>
<br>An adult male and two non-breeding females were killed on June 27, completing the control action. At least 2 adults and possibly a litter of pups are believed to remain.<br>
<br>The Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf population was removed from the federal Endangered Species list in late March. FWP is now the lead agency for wolf conservation and management in Montana on non-tribal lands.<br>
<br>Under Montana law and depredation guidelines adopted by the FWP Commission, wolves can only be killed if seen actively killing or threatening to kill livestock or animals used to guard or herd livestock. Also, a wolf may be killed if it is seen killing or attacking pets, or to protect human life. All incidents must be reported to FWP within 72 hours.
<br>A total of three calves were confirmed killed by wolves and another probable depredation was documented on private properties near Helmville on April 22, April 24 and May 15.<br>
<br>In response to confirmed depredations, continued wolf presence in the area and an increasing risk of conflict due to a high density of cattle occurring over a large area, FWP officials authorized the removal of four wolves from the pack.<br>
<br>Wildlife Services killed one yearling male wolf on April 30, and lethal control efforts continued over the next 45 days.<br>
<br>An adult male and two non-breeding females were killed on June 27, completing the control action. At least 2 adults and possibly a litter of pups are believed to remain.<br>
<br>The Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf population was removed from the federal Endangered Species list in late March. FWP is now the lead agency for wolf conservation and management in Montana on non-tribal lands.<br>
<br>Under Montana law and depredation guidelines adopted by the FWP Commission, wolves can only be killed if seen actively killing or threatening to kill livestock or animals used to guard or herd livestock. Also, a wolf may be killed if it is seen killing or attacking pets, or to protect human life. All incidents must be reported to FWP within 72 hours.